Notre Dame Adds Jersey Patches: Why It’s a Vital Next Step in College Sports
Sports Illustrated • • sports
Key Points:
- Notre Dame will feature a SoFi-sponsored jersey patch starting in the 2026–27 season as part of a six-year deal valued in the nine-figure range, marking the largest announced sponsorship in college sports history.
- The partnership with SoFi extends beyond jersey branding, supporting student-athletes through programs like financial literacy and offering full scholarships to select walk-on athletes.
- Notre Dame maintains its traditional aesthetic with no on-field advertising, preserving the iconic look of its uniforms and stadium while embracing modern revenue streams.
- This move reflects broader changes in college athletics driven by legal rulings allowing direct athlete compensation, increasing financial demands on athletic departments, and the need for diversified funding sources.
- Other major programs like Ohio State, Arkansas, and LSU have also secured significant jersey patch deals, signaling a growing trend rather than a decline in college sports traditions.
